Chris Chibnall’s debut novel Death at the White Hart (Michael Joseph) will be adapted for television by Chibnall’s company Imaginary Friends Productions and Red Planet Pictures for ITV.

The series was greenlit by ITV’s director of drama, Polly Hill, and Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director for media and entertainment.

The Broadchurch creator will write the script and join the production team as executive producer alongiside Red Planet Pictures’ Belinda Campbell.

Due for publication on 27th March 2025, Death at the White Hart is set in the Dorset village of Fleetcombe where the pub’s landlord is found murdered. Detective Nicola Birdge “must unpick a web of lies and rivalries to unmask the killer”.

The novel is the first in a two-book deal. Michael Joseph editor Joel Richardson said: “Chris is one of the UK’s leading storytellers, and this is an irresistible story packed with dark secrets, unforgettable characters and a detective who is set to become iconic in the genre.”

Production on the adaptation will begin next year and the series will air on ITV1 and STV and will be available for streaming on ITVX and STV. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally.

Chibnall said: “Polly’s dynamic vote of confidence in Death at the White Hart made it a no-brainer to bring the novel to the screen with ITV. Within this cliffhanger-packed murder mystery sits a specifically British story about how people live their lives right now. There’s no better home for it than ITV.”

Hill added: “I think it’s a perfect partnership, and I know the adaptation with Chris at the helm will make an unmissable drama. It’s all the more special for us that Chris returns to Dorset once again with this very British murder, and wonderful new investigation team.”